Mermaid

I recently sold my green Reatta, but still have the factory boxed extra set of mats the original owner ordered for the car. If anyone's interested, let me know what your best offer would be. Thanks, Lynne

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NEMO</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have not seen the photos, but if half of the under side is rusting real bad it might be flood damage,from salt water getting to the one end.</div></div> Also, no flood damage. Carfax is clean. It's original owner lived in Chicago and it was driven about 12,000 a year for the first two years, tapering down to only a couple thousand a year. So the deterioration could have come from rust. The reason I took a couple of pictures of the frame going across and the muffler (I think that's what it was) was to show that there isn't rust across the board. The buyer who was going to buy it before we found the bushing challenge, checked it out very very closely with a spot flashlight. He was satisfied until we found the bushings the way they were. His goal was to restore the car to "mint" condition, and he thought it would be too difficult to get it there with the bushing problem.

Hey, All ~ I didn't have to have the car lifted to take the pictures. I got down on the floor right next to it with a close up lens. I got sidetracked by the bushing "thing", but I will now focus on the start "thing". I'm hopeful about that because it started right up with no hesitation at least 4 times until I ran out of gas. I now have a "jumper" to connect the green thing to the battery. I think that will do it. If it doesn't, I still have some of the other things you suggested here to try. Thanks again, Lynne

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="font-size: 14pt">Daniel ~ Than would be great IF it was worth $10,000! And I get where you're coming from. Right now, I just want to sell it for what it's worth so someone can make it their own. It's kind of weird that the body and interior (except for the mess that they made of the driver side door panel) are in such great condition but there are "invisible" problems that really bring the value down. It's an "achy breaky" decision to think of selling it for around $1,500; but it seems like that's what it's worth. C'est la vie ! Lynne</span></span>

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ronnie</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Why are you bringing the same question over here? We are the same people that answered your question in the Buy/Sell Forum which was the proper place for it. </div></div> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="font-size: 14pt">I'm not really trying to be a pain in the rear! I've always been a <span style="font-style: italic">buyer</span> of Reattas, and I just buy them because I like them - price be danged. So actually pricing one that's gone the way this one has is difficult and I appreciate all the assistance I've been getting here. I wish I would have had the wisdom, instead of impulse, to spend more time checking this one out before I bought it. I just saw <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #006600">A</span></span> picture and then spoke with and e-mailed back and forth with the owner. I flew into the city at night, gave her the balance of the money I owed her, and drove away in the car. I was really disappointed to see the door panel the next day. And, I'm certain the bushings didn't get like that during the year and a half I drove it around here in California! It's on me for my impulsiveness (again, just because I love the car), but I'm pretty sure she knew she had a "sucker". Not that I don't love the car, but I would have thought twice, especially driving it 2,000 miles all alone with the bushings close to where they are now. I <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">was</span></span> doing all my posting in the "Buy/Sell" forum until it was suggested by a long-time, highly thought of member of the forum that I should maybe post it in the main Reatta forum also because there may be people who have excellent suggestions regarding pricing who could help me decide what to do, but, if they aren't looking to buy a car, they might not look in the "Buy/Sell" section. They were right. Thanks to all for your feedback, everyone! I think I'm gaining clarity on what I should do. Lynne</span></span>

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="font-size: 14pt">I have a 1991 Reatta Coupe (Green/Tan) that I am selling because I bought a little sailboat a year ago and needed something I could tow and travel with it. I know the Reatta has the power, etc. to work in that manner, but it just didn't seem right. I am the second owner. I created a slideshow (the link is at the bottom of this post) and tried to cover everything, including newly included photos of the passenger side bushings. The brakes were going soft just before I stopped driving it, and when I took the car in, they said it needed a master cylinder for $80. Since I wasn't planning to drive it any more, I passed. And I suspect the air conditioning MIGHT need recharging. It was working fine when I stopped using the car, but it's been sitting so long, I don't know. I checked yesterday, and there doesn't appear to be any evidence of leaks. Originally I was planning to put the car on Craigslist here for $2,650 because I wanted to sell it as quickly as possible. I paid $5,000 for it when I bought it, and I don't think a Reatta should lose value (although this is only my second one). The reason I made the price where it was is so whoever buys it could do what they want with it to fix up the "bad news" items. I've collected several names and numbers from people since I've had it who seem to just want a unique car to put big tires on and go fast! But my first choice would be so sell it to a collector who would appreciate it and love it "zits and all". Especially since I have many great extras that are shown in the slideshow that a regular ol' driver wouldn't care about at all...extra carpet mats still in the box, 4 extra wheel covers still in the plastic, maintenance records, the original window sticker, and the leather Reatta portfolio (pictures in the slideshow). I had a collector very interested who after looking at the first set of pictures, thought the price was actually low. I also have some possible backup buyers who were willing to pay more. But now... Yes this is sexist, but, being an inexperienced woman, I didn't think to take pictures of critical places underneath the car. As the collector was checking out the car, everything looked great until he got to the passenger side bushings. He wasn't ready to do the work he thought would be necessary, so he chose to pass on the car. Now, before I move on to the next buyers, or post it on craigslist for the "ordinary person" I would like some feedback from those of you who are "in the know" about these great cars. What do you think would be a fair price now? I really love Reattas and just taking this one out of the garage and driving it the little I did (and just shutting the very heavy, very solid door) has reminded me of that. I even wondered for a moment what the car would look like with a sailboat attached to it and a trunk full of gear. Not as practical as my SUV though! The other decision I have to make, is, if I choose to sell the car at a really low price, should I include the "extras" with the car? The 4 factory-sealed wheel caps, the factory-boxed second set of embossed carpet mats? Actually, the carpet mats that have been "used" still look new because I've always had the rubber mats to keep them clean. And would the pristine portfolio be considered an extra since it sort of goes with the car? It's my understanding that the signatures are of the people who built the car. So many decisions, so little time! Check it out and let me know what you think about the pricing... http://www.flickr.com/photos/murrmayde/sets/72157608491333405/show/ Thanks for looking, Lynne murrmayde@yahoo.com</span></span>

<span style="color: #6600CC"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="font-size: 14pt">By the way...I love your Jefferson quote!</span></span></span>

<span style="font-size: 14pt"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Thank you very much, Roger! That's what I was looking for...the options. I'm a dyed-in-the-wool Libra, so making decisions is not exactly my strong suit! The other decision I have to make, is, if I choose to sell it at the $1000 - $1500, should I include the "extras" with the car? The 4 factory-sealed wheel caps, the factory-boxed <span style="font-style: italic">second </span>set of embossed carpet mats? Actually, the carpet mats that have been "used" still look new because I've always had the rubber mats to keep them clean. And would the pristine portfolio be considered an <span style="font-style: italic">extra</span> since it sort of goes with the car? It's my understanding that the signatures are of the people who built the car. So many decisions, so little time! Sorry to hear about your '89. It's funnny how difficult it is to make the choice to let go of these babies! Thanks again, Lynne</span></span>

Thanks for the opinions so far. I get it that it needs a lot of work, but it would really help me to have an idea of what it may be worth. I promise it won't hurt my feelings. I just want to be fair. Also, if a Reatta person doesn't buy it, what kind of cost might one expect to fix the bushings? I need to sell it as soon as possible, but I want to find a balance. I want to come up with a fair price for the buyer that doesn't mean I get scr****. It would really help if I could get somewhere in the ballpark! Thanks

I have a 1991 Reatta Coupe (Green/Tan) that I am selling because I bought a little sailboat a year ago and needed something I could tow and travel with it. I know the Reatta has the power, etc. to work in that manner, but it just didn't seem right. I am the second owner. I created a slideshow (the link is at the bottom of this post) and tried to cover everything, including newly included photos of the passenger side bushings. The brakes were going soft just before I stopped driving it, and when I took the car in, they said it needed a master cylinder for $80. Since I wasn't planning to drive it any more, I passed. And I suspect the air conditioning MIGHT need recharging. It was working fine when I stopped using the car, but it's been sitting so long, I don't know. I checked yesterday, and there doesn't appear to be any evidence of leaks. Originally I was planning to put the car on Craigslist here for $2,650 because I wanted to sell it as quickly as possible. I paid $5,000 for it when I bought it, and I don't think a Reatta should lose value (although this is only my second one). The reason I made the price where it was is so whoever buys it could do what they want with it to fix up the "bad news" items. I've collected several names and numbers from people since I've had it who seem to just want a unique car to put big tires on and go fast! But my first choice would be so sell it to a collector who would appreciate it and love it "zits and all". Especially since I have many great extras that are shown in the slideshow that a regular ol' driver wouldn't care about at all...extra carpet mats still in the box, 4 extra wheel covers still in the plastic, maintenance records, the original window sticker, and the leather Reatta portfolio (pictures in the slideshow). I had a collector very interested who after looking at the first set of pictures, thought the price was actually low. I also have some possible backup buyers who were willing to pay more. But now... Yes this is sexist, but, being an inexperienced woman, I didn't think to take pictures of critical places underneath the car. As the collector was checking out the car, everything looked great until he got to the passenger side bushings. He wasn't ready to do the work he thought would be necessary, so he chose to pass on the car. Now, before I move on to the next buyers, or post it on craigslist for the "ordinary person" I would like some feedback from those of you who are "in the know" about these great cars. What do you think would be a fair price now? I really love Reattas and just taking this one out of the garage and driving it the little I did (and just shutting the very heavy, very solid door) has reminded me of that. I even wondered for a moment what the car would look like with a sailboat attached to it and a trunk full of gear. Not as practical as my SUV though! Check it out and let me know what you think about the pricing... http://www.flickr.com/photos/murrmayde/sets/72157608491333405/show/ Thanks for looking, Lynne murrmayde@yahoo.com

I found the valve on the fuel rail, took the cap off, and pushed on the pin in the center. The first time I tried it, the gas squirted out about 3 inches. But the second and and anytime again I tried, it just drizzled out. I found the green connector, I think, but I don't see how to connect it to the + side of the battery. If I understood those directions correctly. I haven't tried the starting fluid thing because I have sold the car and the person who has bought it would rather I not. And I still haven't found a second person to listen and "pound" on the fuel tank to jump the pump (if I understood that one correctly). It's been raining, raining, raining here, so later today I plan to go out (after the NASCAR race) and get more gas to put into it. Right now it's only got about 4 gallons, and some say I should have at least 5. Again, thanks to all for your ideas. I think it came close to starting yesterday after pushing in the valve on the fuel rail, so I'm hoping that adding fuel will do it!

FINALLY! I found the valve on the fuel rail, took the cap off, and pushed on the pin in the center. The first time I tried it, the gas squirted out about 3 inches. But the second and and anytime again I tried, it just drizzled out. I found the green connector, I think, but I don't see how to connect it to the + side of the battery. If I understood those directions correctly. I haven't tried the starting fluid thing because I have sold the car and the person who has bought it would rather I not. And I still haven't found a second person to listen and "pound" on the fuel tank to jump the pump (if I understood that one correctly). It's been raining, raining, raining here, so later today I plan to go out (after the NASCAR race) and get more gas to put into it. Right now it's only got about 4 gallons, and some say I should have at least 5. Again, thanks to all for your ideas. I think it came close to starting yesterday after pushing in the valve on the fuel rail, so I'm hoping that adding fuel will do it!

WOW! I really appreciate all the ideas! Today was a rainy, rainy day (kewl!) so I was unable to hear anything but raindrops and do anything but get wet. I'll let you know as soon as I get to try your ideas. Thanks again!

Thanks, Ken. I hope I can find it now. Maybe I can even find that picture if I do a little research. I wish I could help you with your DSL, but I'm just as much a doofus when it comes to that, too! Lynne

Thanks again to everyone! I still haven't gotten it started again, but that's mostly because I haven't got a second person to listen for the fuel pump. And I haven't had the time to drive to a place where I can get the starter fluid. Then, of course, I hadn't printed out your messages when I went to the car today, so I couldn't remember the details. That comes with age, I guess! KEN...I looked for a "green thing", but couldn't find it. Would it be something I would have to get under the car to see, or would it be under the hood on the inside fender? REATTABOY...Where's the fuel rail? Is that under the car from where I put the gas in to the gas tank? Maybe tomorrow will be the day!

Thanks to you both. I'm not sure what a fuel pump sounds like, but the next time I try to start it, I'll listen to see if I hear anything kick in. I know where the fuses are, so I'll check that out, too. So, I'm OK at locating a battery and a radiator and where to put the fluids. I think I've seen something that says, "Throttle Body" on it - at the motor end of a corrigated hose that's about 4 inches in diameter. Do I take that off at the motor end, or is there another place to squirt the starting fluid? Also, if the fuel system has a problem, would it have run OK until I ran out of gas? Thanks again, Lynne

3-ML-123144-ML- Sending it to Reatta Forum. They love this stuff, Lynne! Wayne

Hi, All ~ I have a 1991 Reatta that had been sitting for almost a year (in an underground climate controlled parking facility). During that time, the battery dropped dead. When I bought and installed a new one, the car started right up...no problems. Yay! I drove it across the street to take pictures of it because I am preparing to sell it. While I had it out, it ran out of gas. That's not puzzling because the part of the display that shows the fuel level and the speed is not working. Anyway, I put 2 gallons of gas in it, and it wouldn't start. I had never had any trouble starting it after running out of gas. I figured I might have flooded it, so I let it sit overnight and then put two more gallons of gas in it. It still wouldn't start. I checked the battery cables and they are fine. Besides, it is turning over, just not starting. What I'm wondering is this...could it be that while it was sitting condensation formed in the gas tank? It started OK with the little bit of gas because it was settled on the bottom, but when I added gas the condensation blended with the gas I added. If so, is there an additive I can put in the gas tank to draw out the condensation? Of course, that's just my idea. You all are the pros. Are there any other things it could be? I looked for a "carburator" to prime with gas, but couldn't find one. Anyone else had this experience or know of it? Suggestions are welcome! Thanks, Lynne

I washed it and spiffed it all up Saturday to take pictures but by Saturday afternoon it began to pour and has pretty much been raining ever since. As soon as it stops long enough, I'll make sure to post some. For now, I'm just waiting for a chance to put my <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> back on...

I don't know, I think you should keep your bill. You might look funny without it, and you never know when you might need it to protect yourself from the long distance killers! Thanks again. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for all the good advice! I jiggled the right thingamajigs while poking the right thingamabobs. I guess that works all the time! I knew this would be the right place to come for assistance. Y'all are great. Thanks again. Lynne <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Your advice was right on, too, EDBSO. It think it was the tech talk that got me through it. I hope this was just a freak thing and not a new glitch in my "getalong"! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I'm not sure, but I think it was Albert's feedback that worked. Although I just kept trying everything. Thanks for your help everyone! I knew if I could find help anywhere, it would be here. I can finally go home now... <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Thanks, I'll give it a try right now!

Thanks for trying...